The Italian international had limited opportunities under former boss Walter Mazzari, starting just ten games last season and scoring four Premier League goals.

CSL outfit Shenhua are set bid £12m and offer the striker a lucrative escape route to the Far East.

Shenhua boss Gus Poyet is looking for additional firepower as £634,000-a-week striker Carlos Tevez who has found it a struggle in China due to fitness and loss of form.

Okaka, 27, was close to joining Tianjin Quanjian in January, but SunSport was told the move was blocked by Mazzarri as Odion Ighalo had already sealed a move to China, and the Italian was needed as cover.

New Watford boss Marco Silva is keen to run the rule over Okaka when they return for pre-season training next month, but will have a lot of convincing to do with a big money move to China on offer.

Olympiakos have shown interest in Okaka this summer, but could struggle what could be on offer in China as the Greek champions have only enquired about taking the forward on loan.